5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Kosher Foods

Kosher means fit or suitable according to Jewish law, for instance kosher resorts are specifically designed to accommodate dietary requirements of kosher travelers . It can be used to refer to meat products, dairy products and wine or grape juice. You may also be familiar with kosher salt, which is used in cooking and baking because it’s less salty than regular table salt. In fact, the word kosher comes from the Hebrew language and it literally means “proper” or “fit”.

The world of kosher foods is often confusing to those who don't follow the rules. These are some things to keep in mind when you're looking for products that are certified kosher.

Ingredients

Kosher foods must meet certain standards for ingredients, depending on whether they are meat, dairy or pareve (neither meat nor dairy). While there is a list of ingredients that are definitely not kosher, it's also important to look at the packaging and/or product website to make sure there isn't any chance of cross-contamination.

Symbols

When you're shopping for kosher foods, it's important to understand what the various symbols mean so you know exactly what standard your food meets. The most common symbols include: OU (Orthodox Union), Kof-K (Kosher Supervision Service), Star K and OK Kosher Certification. However, this is not an exhaustive list. There are many third-party organizations that certify products as kosher so it's important to do research when you're looking for specific product types.

When it comes to checking if a product is kosher or not, the most obvious place to start is the label. There should be a “K” on the package, which will indicate that it has been certified as kosher by an appropriate authority. A “U” within a circle also indicates that a product has been certified as kosher by an appropriate authority.

Country of Origin

While most kosher products are made in North America, some may be imported from other countries around the world where production methods may not be as strictly supervised as they are here at home. If the product is imported, make sure it has a reliable kosher symbol on it so you know that it has been produced according to strict kosher standards no matter where it was produced.

Go Organic

Organic foods are not necessarily kosher, but they're usually healthier than other options because they contain less pesticides and other chemicals that can be harmful to your body over time. Keep in mind though that some organic items aren't always guaranteed 100% organic – such as honey, eggs and fruit juices -- so read labels carefully before buying anything!

Kashrut

Kosher means fit, proper, or correct and the word Kashrut refers to the laws of keeping kosher food. The Law of Kashrut was given to Moses on Mount Sinai written in the Torah. These laws are found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy and provide detailed instructions on how to keep kosher. Our body is a temple and we must keep it in good shape by only eating Kosher foods that are good for us. Keeping Kosher is not just a dietary law but also a way of life. Not just on a kosher holiday but all throughout your lives.

6 Surprising Truths About Kosher Cruises

A kosher cruise is a cruise that follows the regulations of Jewish faith. One such example is kosher riverboat cruises, but the mode of transportation is different from other kinds of cruises.

Kosher is a Hebrew word that means fit or proper. To be considered kosher, the food must be prepared in a kosher manner and kept separate from foods that are not kosher.

Traveling on a kosher cruise can be very refreshing for people who are looking for a vacation that incorporates their religious beliefs. If you have never been on a cruise before, you should know that they offer more than just relaxation, entertainment and food.

In fact, if you plan smartly, your cruise trip can also provide some educational benefits and opportunities for spiritual growth. The following are some truths about kosher cruises.

You Will Enjoy a Wide Variety of Foods

A kosher cruise has a number of restaurants that offer a lot of different options to eat. You will find restaurants such as Japanese, French, Italian, American and Mexican and many more.

These restaurants cater to all tastes and preferences so you will definitely enjoy dining here and trying new dishes every night.

Kosher Cruises are Suitable for All Ages

Boat trips are usually associated with vacationing in the Caribbean Island or Mediterranean countries. If you are looking for a cruise with an all-inclusive package, a kosher cruise is the right option for you.

Kosher cruises offer anything that your heart desires. You can enjoy beach parties, theme parties, and so much more. Looking for a fun cruise? Then look no further than a kosher cruise!

Kosher Cruises Offer High-Quality Meals

Kosher cruises offer excellent food from local restaurants in addition to high quality meals made by chefs in the ship's kitchen. Passengers on kosher cruises are treated to the best food that money could buy. It is one of the reasons why people look forward to kosher cruises year after year.

Kosher Cruises Offer Exciting Activities

Kosher cruises are known for their exciting activities which include dancing, board games, swimming, and much more! One of the great things about cruising is that it offers passengers entertainment of all sorts at an affordable price.

While onboard your ship, you will be able to participate in activities such as swimming, playing miniature golf, putting green and many others which you normally won't get to do while on land.

You can also go shopping onboard your ship or just relax and read one of the books from the library onboard. There is something for everyone to do here so you won't get bored.

Kosher Meals Aren't Always Available

Some passengers who board kosher cruises expect the ship's dining room to be completely free from pork, shellfish or other non-kosher foods. However, this isn't always possible because many cruise lines cater to a wide range of travelers with differing food preferences and religious beliefs, which means they're not always able to offer every passenger what they want.

Kosher Cruise Educational Services

From lectures about history, culture and geography to seminars about business and economy, all guests on kosher cruises will find something that suits their interests. Sometimes, the cruise line sets venues on exclusive kosher resorts for the program to give emphasis and comfort for attendees.

One thing that separates these kinds of seminars from those offered elsewhere is that they will revolve around Jewish history and culture.

8 Tips To Enjoying Your Kosher Cruise

Kosher cruises have been around for a few years now, and they continue to gain in popularity. Cruises are a favorite vacation for many families, including kosher ones, who want to experience new places while keeping to their dietary and religious restrictions. Here are some tips for enjoying your kosher cruise:

Slow Down

One of the most important tips is to slow down and take time to enjoy the moment. The pace on a cruise is relaxing, so you don't need to rush from one activity to another. Take time for yourself to just relax at the pool or read a book in the sun.

This isn't a vacation where you are trying to see and do everything at once, so be sure to spend some quiet time by yourself. As you lay on the deck chair, think about how lucky you are to be there and how far you have come.

Talk More

Over the course of an entire vacation, there is plenty of time to meet new people, but talking more on the cruise will help you make stronger connections with others. Even if you are not normally an outgoing person, try to get involved in conversations around you or strike up conversations with new people that may lead to friendships or future opportunities.

Cruise During Special Occasions

When you want to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, take advantage of the festive nature of a kosher cruise by booking a cruise during your favorite Jewish holiday. For example, you can celebrate Rosh Hashanah at sea with live music and lectures about the holiday. Or if you're looking forward to celebrating Passover with your family, choose a cruise that offers daily services to help you get in the spirit.

Research

Not all cruise ships are alike, so it is important that you do some research before making a decision about which one will be best for you. This means looking into their policies and their reviews on travel websites.

A good place to start is cruise critic.com, where you can read about people's experiences on different ships and get an idea of what kind of amenities they offer. If you really want a unique experience, consider an adventure cruise instead of one that goes for longer periods of time.

Avoid the Buffet

The buffet on a cruise ship is much like the buffets in any other setting, there are numerous food choices that are not kosher. Though the ship may have a kosher kitchen, they will not be preparing any of the food served in the buffet, which means that the food could have been previously cooked with treif (non-kosher) utensils or contaminated with non-kosher ingredients. Instead, choose to eat in one of the restaurants on board to ensure a more enjoyable and kosher experience.

Stick to Your Diet

While on a cruise vacation, it is easy to forget about sticking to your diet. However, it can be difficult when you are eating at restaurants that serve large portions of food and constantly surrounded by people who are eating foods that you cannot have. 

Make sure that you pack plenty of snacks for yourself so that you can avoid eating things that aren't permissible for you to eat.

Figure Out What Kind of Trip You Want

There are many kinds of kosher cruises that cater to different audiences. You can choose from a family-oriented cruise with children's programs, to an adult-only cruise with an array of activities and amenities.

You can also choose between a smooth-sailing, luxury cruise, or a smaller cruise ship with a more intimate feel. The type of trip you choose will be up to you, but it is important to know what is offered by each one in order to make the best decision for your preferences.

Choose the Right Cruise Line

There are many reasons why people choose one kosher cruise line over another: better food or entertainment options; friendlier staff; or just because they already have experience on this particular line. If you like to sail on a river, then consider kosher river cruises. Once you know what you're looking for in a trip, stick with your decision and enjoy it!

5 ways to make your kosher trip easier

Kosher travel is not as difficult as it might seem as there are several kosher europe tours as an option for all-inclusive tours. To help you plan your kosher food-related trips, here are practical tips that will make your vacation easier and save you a lot of trouble.

Research the local Jewish community center or synagogue

If you have time before your trip to call the local JCC or synagogue, ask about their facilities for kosher catering and hosting events. They may also have information on kosher restaurants in town and around the area.

Plan ahead

Before going on a trip, make sure to plan everything. From food you will eat to hotels where you are gonna stay. Make sure your kosher hotel or resort has a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals or the hotel allows you to have a hotplate in your room and have access to a microwave.

Find a kosher resort with activities for the kids and adults alike

A great way to relax is by taking part in an activity at the resort. This can be anything from snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding or surfing lessons to cooking classes, nature walks or wine tastings and of course pool time!

And don't worry about having to prepare meat out of the reach of the children – many resorts cater for this as well with buffets that are fully supervised. If your children are old enough to prepare their own food, let them do it themselves at lunchtime – it'll be fun for them and you'll avoid the bill!

Bring Your Own Food

Whether going on vacation or traveling through an area where little or no kosher food is available, by bringing some of your own non-perishables you can save money and ensure that you will have something to eat.

Non-perishables include breads, cookies, crackers and other pastas. Always have a few snacks on hand that are kosher and easy to grab when you're on the go (granola bars, nuts and fruit work great). Another good thing to have is bottled water so you don't have to worry about what's in it.

Make a list

Before you shop, make a list of what you need. Not only will this save you from overspending, it will also help you to avoid impulse buys especially when in a rush for a  glatt kosher tour adventure. The best way to do this is to shop with a friend or family member who can provide suggestions and point out things you may have otherwise overlooked.

6 Passover Snacks You Can Eat

Kosher for Passover, also known as Passover or Pesach, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical story of the Exodus. It represents the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. There are lots of snacks that you can make for the kosher holiday. Keep in mind that since everything is kosher for Passover, any snack that is made with wheat and grains will have to be gluten-free.

Chocolate Covered Matzah

This is one of the simplest, yet most fun Passover snacks around. Just break matzah into pieces and dip them in chocolate. You can use any type of chocolate you like! For a unique twist, try dipping the matzah pieces in melted peanut butter and then in chocolate. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is unbelievable.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a bit healthier than your typical cookie, but that doesn't mean they're any less tasty! Who knew a healthy cookie could be so good? These are very soft and chewy, almost a cake-like texture, which gives them a little something extra. Replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour to give these cookies a bit more fiber. If you're not opposed to alcohol, these taste especially delicious when they're served with a glass of wine!

Sweet Potato Latkes

These latkes are lighter than most fried versions but still just as tasty. The sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This recipe serves four, so double or triple it depending on how many people will be joining you for the meal.

Tzimmes

The easiest snack to make for Passover is tzimmes. It is carrot-based and very simple to make. All you need to do is cut up carrots, add some honey and cinnamon, and put it in the oven!

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup is one of the most popular dishes eaten on Passover. It's easy to make, but can be time consuming. The ingredients include matzo balls, vegetables, chicken broth and salt. You can add whatever vegetables you like such as carrots, onions, celery or cabbage.

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate mousse is another delicious dessert that can be made for Passover. Although it takes a while to make because it has to be chilled in the refrigerator before serving, it's definitely worth it! You need heavy cream, unsweetened cocoa powder, egg yolks and sugar. Add some vanilla extract for flavoring and voila! You will surely enjoy your glatt kosher vacations with this dessert.

4 Amazing Jewish Vacation Spots to Visit on Holiday Vacation

When most people think of an affordable vacation, they think of someplace relatively close and inexpensive. While this thinking may be true, there are some affordable vacation spots that are a bit further away like Jewish tours, but still well worth the trip. If you're eager to get away and save money on your vacation, check out these amazing Jewish vacation spots that are actually affordable:

Prague

Prague's Jewish community dates back to the 10th century, which makes this city full of medieval architecture and breathtaking synagogues the perfect place to explore your history. The city has been an important center for Judaism since the 14th century and was once known as "the Jerusalem of the West.

If you love art, music and history, you'll fall in love with Prague. Not only is this beautiful city rich in culture, it's also one of the most affordable European cities to visit. You can find great prices for hostels or cheap stay-in-the-know hotels like Hostel Prague. Pack your walking shoes and explore this wonderful city.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world so it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for travelers around the globe. To make your visit more affordable, book your stay at an all-inclusive resort. One such is Mantra Sun Sanctuary Beach Resort, where you can enjoy the beach and water activities while taking care of meals and drinks.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is a series of over 2900 individual reefs, stretching more than 2600 kilometers across the coast of Queensland, Australia.

This reef system is home to thousands of different species of ocean life, including many varieties of fish and plants that live nowhere else on earth. The Great Barrier Reef is also one of the most popular vacation spots for tourists from all over the world.

Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem, Israel

Israel, a place steeped in religious and historical significance, is one of Judaism's holiest places. A trip to Jerusalem offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy its rich religious history at places like the Western Wall, which is considered Judaism's holiest site.

The city has also served as an important cultural center for Christianity since biblical times. You can visit some of Jerusalem's most celebrated Christian landmarks, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering)

New Mexico

New Mexico Street

The Land of Enchantment has become a top destination for many Jews looking for some sun and relaxation. With its rich history and scenic views, New Mexico offers plenty to do for everyone from the adventurer to the art lover. It's also a great place for a family reunion or wedding.

With its breathtaking scenery and its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas, New Mexico is a wonderful place for a family vacation. If you like hiking or skiing, there are plenty of both to enjoy in this state.

The state has plenty of tourist attractions including the White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Franklin Mountains State Park, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument and kosher riverboat cruises. Albuquerque has more than its share of great attractions like Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, Sandia Peak Tramway and Balloon Fiesta Park.